The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has directed lawyers and court officials to stop using the title “Barrister” as a prefix to their names in all official engagements with the Supreme Court, describing the practice as inconsistent with the professional standards expected at the nation’s apex court.
The directive, which takes immediate effect, was conveyed in a memorandum dated July 13, 2026, and signed by the Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court, Kabir Akanbi.
It applies to litigation staff, legal practitioners, court registrars and all lawyers conducting official business with the Supreme Court.
According to the circular, the Chief Justice ruled that the continued use of the title “Barrister” before names does not align with the level of professionalism the Supreme Court seeks to uphold in its official processes.
“I am directed by the Honourable the Chief Justice of Nigeria to notify all Litigation Staff, Legal Practitioners, Court Registrars, and Lawyers that the use of the title ‘Barrister’ as a prefix to names is inappropriate and inconsistent with the standards of professionalism expected within the Supreme Court of Nigeria,” the memo stated.
Under the new directive, legal practitioners are required to discontinue the use of the title in official correspondence, court records, legal documents, identity materials and all other official engagements involving the Supreme Court.
The memorandum also instructed heads of departments and unit heads to ensure strict compliance with the directive by officers under their supervision.
“Consequently, all officers concerned are hereby directed to discontinue the use of the title ‘Barrister’ before their names in all official correspondence, records, documents, identity materials, and any other official engagements with immediate effect,” the circular added.
The directive is one of the latest administrative reforms introduced under Justice Kekere-Ekun’s leadership of the judiciary and is aimed at reinforcing professionalism and uniformity in official court communications.
Although Nigerian lawyers are enrolled as Barristers and Solicitors of the Supreme Court upon being called to the Bar, the designation forms part of their professional qualification rather than a mandatory official title.
While some legal practitioners routinely use the prefix “Barrister” in correspondence and public engagements, others identify themselves by their names alongside recognised professional or academic qualifications such as Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), PhD and other distinctions.
The new policy is expected to standardise official documentation and ensure uniform compliance by lawyers and court personnel in all dealings with the Supreme Court.
